Andy Creighton is Dead

by Richard Panchyk

Have you ever fallen in love with a fictional character?
America fell in love with the perfect book boyfriend, Andy Creighton, but then the unthinkable happened – the author of his popular book series made a drastic decision that broke hearts across the country.
And now ANDY CREIGHTON IS DEAD…or is he?
That is what bestselling romance writer Sloane Rylie must decide.
Her legion of once-loyal fans resort to protests and violence after reading Andy’s demise at the end of Sloane’s latest book, All Things Must. Sloane’s hopes of riding out the angry storm while holed up at her cabin in the woods quickly fade when a real-life Andy Creighton shows up at her doorstep bearing a shocking note and causing a chain reaction of bizarre and dangerous events. Sloane has only hours to decide whether to listen to her own instincts to stand firm, or be swayed by threats and pressure from everyone in her life. Will she agree to her publisher’s frantic scheme to revive Andy, or will she leave him dead and risk her life and the real Andy’s life in the process?

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Richard Panchyk has been writing since the age of 7. He sold his first "book" (trivia questions handwritten on a folded piece of looseleaf paper) to a third grade classmate for 5 cents. His latest thriller, Andy Creighton is Dead, releases February 24, 2026. His new short story Fletcher's Plan, released January 2025, is the first chapter of a thriller novel released May 20, 2025.

Reviews

[Amanda McKendree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book draws you in from the start. It was a fun, fast-paced thriller with a twist I definitely did not see coming, so I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

I really hope the author is working on the sequel! I hope to read more by this author soon.

[444.ariesbaby_reads✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

andy creighton is dead- richard panchyk👀

this thriller/suspense novel is nothing like i’ve ever read before.. taking on the perspective of an author who kills off a very popular mmc. and let’s be real guys, we allll know the heartbreak of losing our favourite characters!👀

but the fans of our fmc- sloane rylie, are completely feral, unhinged and tbh just bat shit crazy in the creepiest of ways… the lengths these fans go to are horrendous and it’s actually frightening to view that perspective as i can imagine it to be true in some cases.

it puts that extra edge into the novel and brings awareness as to how crazy people can be when it comes to books/series they love… please do not be like the fans of sloane rylie..😱🫠😂

and the twists and turns within this novel itself? THEY ARE INSANE. honestly, the ending had me scratching my head. it felt like it was glitching trying to make sense of it all!😵‍💫completely threw me off.
if there’s one thing in particular i’ve taken away from this book- it is genuinely that you cannot trust ANYONE.

the plotting, scheming and actions of everyone involved within this storyline are all crazy and not in a good way😣😂 there’s being passionate and then there’s pure delusion…

richard panchyk has once again delivered on the front of suspense and i look forward to reading future works as they just get better and better each time.

i have been lucky enough to beta read this book and i was completely hooked! so add to your tbrs because this take is ABSOLUTELY MENTAL!

•★ ★ ★ ★ ★

[Dela Coleman-posey · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First, a disclaimer: I'm in the early stages of learning to write fiction myself, so take my critique with the appropriate grain of salt. But maybe that perspective is useful too — I read this one with a slightly analytical eye, and here's what I found.

There's a lot to like here. The premise is inventive, the mystery keeps you guessing all the way through, and the humor is genuinely clever. I also came away knowing more about the publishing industry than when I started, which felt like a fun bonus rather than an info-dump. The book is timely, too — it has a lot to say about the social and parasocial relationships that dominate modern culture. I mean people doing it for the Gram and the thin line between real and make-believe. It's sharp cultural commentary wrapped in a mystery.

Where it lost me a little was in the execution. I kept sensing the scaffolding beneath the story — the intentions behind each scene, each joke — which kept me at arm's length when I wanted to be pulled in. The characters are interesting and well-constructed, but I never fully warmed to any of them. And around the midpoint, the central device started to feel like it was being stretched a bit thin.

Honestly? Maybe this story might have been more effective as a tighter novella.

Humorous, smart, plus industry satire. Definitely worth a read. As for the humor — it's more of a wry smile than LOL funny, at least for me. I'll be honest, my sense of humor is a little offbeat, and I can absolutely picture other readers yucking it up, while I was more like 'I see what you did there'.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book could've benefited from a bit more character development and cleaning up of the plot.

One, I don't think what we saw of the characters makes the ending believable. Sloane and Mandy's actions at the end... I just didn't get that from their characters when reading. Are we supposed to assume that every chapter from Sloane's POV now needs to be questioned? I don't really think she was set up properly as an unreliable narrator to believe the ending.

Jonah and Micah as well... we saw Mandy's POV that they were doing some other random stuff that seemed wrong. But then the last chapter... are both Mandy AND Sloane unreliable narrators? I'm not sure. I think things needed to be developed a bit more.

Two, a lot of things happened in this book. Many of them felt like they were there just to fill out a page count. The plot of the book is that a real-life Andy Creighton shows up... but he honestly plays a much smaller role than you're led to believe. He disappears near the end and is never seen again. Every scene with him in it felt unnecessary. And Dylan. I just don't understand the necessity of the entire thing with IRL Andy Creighton and Dylan.

Unfortunate that I didn't end up liking this one since I seem to be the odd person out there. It had a great premise and a strong start, but it lost me around the 50% mark with its never-ending random event generator, and I struggled to get through the finish line.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the author/PA for the author. Thank you so much for sharing this ARC with me. I would give this 3.75 stars rounding up. I really did enjoy this and recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers and stories in the dirty underbelly of the publishing world.

I love a book about authors and the publishing industry, especially the gritty dark side. Add a thriller element and I'm IN!
This was fun. And the ending - WHOA! Kind of out of left field.
Sloane Rylie is a best selling author of a romance series. Her newest release has caused a HUGE outrage in the reading community. Why? She killed off the perfect boyfriend - Andy Creighton.
From there the reader is taken on quite the ride with alternating perspectives from Sloane and from her publisher's PR person (and best friend - ish) Mandy.
There are truly outrageous situations throughout this book from the members of the publishing house and Sloan's team, to a money hungry real "Andy Creighton", death threats, a hot neighbor, sinister plots, and self dealing all around.
This was a quick read and I had a lot of fun. Things felt a bit unruly at times and some of the internal monologue tangents that Sloane and Mandy went on felt unnecessary and could be "tightened up" a bit, but that may just be me. On a personal level, I struggle with an unreliable narrator, but again, that is just my personal preference.

[Christine A Fiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars. Every. Single. One.

I read Andy Creighton Is Dead as an ARC and this book had me in a chokehold. An author kills off the MMC in her wildly popular series and the readers absolutely lose their minds. Protests. Outrage. Publishers siding with fans. Total chaos.

What really makes this story hit hard are the characters. Sloane feels so real it’s uncomfortable. Her fear, anger, self-doubt, and stubborn refusal to be bullied out of her own story felt painfully relatable. She reacts the way a real person would when the ground starts cracking under their feet, and that made everything scarier.

As the backlash escalates, you’re constantly questioning what’s real and who can be trusted. Is she truly in danger, or is the pressure pushing her to the edge? The tension never lets up, and every time I thought I had this figured out, the book said “that’s cute” and pulled another rug.

The twists are wild, the shockers are jaw-dropping, and I had multiple “WHAT did I just read?” moments. Bold, unsettling, and way too relevant in today’s world of obsessive fandom and entitlement.

Huge thanks to the author for the ARC.
This book didn’t just challenge me as a reader, it dared me to pick a side and live with it. This book didn’t just cross a line, it erased it and dared me to keep reading.

[Shannon Fillingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if the fictional man the world loves… suddenly showed up alive on your doorstep?

Andy Creighton Is Dead is one of those thrillers that grabs you immediately and absolutely refuses to let go. From the very first chapter, I was hooked like a fish—pulled straight into the chaos, obsession, and mounting dread surrounding Sloane Rylie and the character that made (and might destroy) her career.

The premise alone is brilliant: a beloved book boyfriend killed off by his own author… and then somehow existing in the real world. But what really makes this story shine is how fast everything spirals. The protests, the threats, the pressure from every direction, and the increasingly bizarre and dangerous events create a relentless sense of urgency that never lets up.

This book delivered so many “what did I just read?!” moments—in the best possible way. The twists kept coming, each one sharper and more shocking than the last, and the tension builds to a point where you genuinely don’t know who or what to trust anymore.

If you love:
• High-concept thrillers
• Reality-bending premises
• Nonstop suspense and escalating chaos
• Jaw-dropping twists
• Stories that hook you from page one

You need this on your radar.

Thank you to the author for the ARC—I devoured this and loved every shocking minute

[Calley]

This book. Ok here goes. I have never read this author before, the idea or blurb of the book sounded fun. I like thriller, murder, mystery, who dun it…..however while reading the first 15% of the book I figured out it was gonna be a quick read and it felt soooo familiar. Author kills off main character and crazy fans get upset, even has them threatening and MADE to write a new ending - will do anything to have the, fix it.

Stephen King wrote a book I read years ago, they made it into a movie and that movie SCARED the crap out of me….this book feels like the author watched that movie and it made them write this “fan fiction”. (Misery)

The FMC would have these page long flash backs about stuff In her dad’s cabin, descriptions that went no where, and memories that did nothing but add page count. I waited for it all to tie together and instead it circled. There was lots of memories of say Dad’s taxidermy on the wall. I figured it would be used to hurt or kill someone, maybe hold a secret. There was so much info tossed about and the timeline went back and forth, but that was not used to give the reader info, just background….no Easter eggs, just felt rushed to explain instead of building up to the twists…

It was not terrible, but the whole time I was reading I was question why is this in the book? What does it mean? Turns out nothing, meant nothing.

[A Literary Autopsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy Creighton is Dead is a sharp, snarky, and often unsettling look at the dark side of the publishing world and the extremes of fandom. Richard Panchyk crafts a story where the line between fiction and reality is blurred from the very first chapters.

The core of the book is the friction between Sloane and Mandy. Their dual perspectives are a study in unreliable narration; seeing how they perceive themselves versus how they perceive each other was one of the most compelling parts of the read. Sloane’s sarcastic, biting voice was a personal highlight, even as Mandy’s narrative felt increasingly erratic.

While the middle of the book is a high-speed thriller with plenty of tension, the ending is definitely a speculative scenario. It leaves several plot threads dangling and character motivations in the gray area. I personally prefer a bit more closure in my thrillers, so the number of unanswered questions was a bit of a letdown for me.

However, if you enjoy stories that don't tie everything up with a neat bow and prefer to be left speculating long after the final page, this is a fun, fast-paced choice. It's a vivid reminder that book world drama can be just as dangerous as any Hollywood thriller.

[Aurora Selvaggio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel this book started off in a great, engaging way. There are two main characters/voices. One is the writer (Sloane) who kills off her main romance book character Andy Creighton. The other is the PR woman (Mandy) for the book publisher. From what is stated in the book they are supposed to be best friends and have been close for many years but I never get that feeling or that relationship from them. I feel like the relationships are never thoroughly explored in this book and it is mostly just surface fluff which made it hard for me to really get into.

I did enjoy it in the beginning. Once you keep going, mid-book things start to get a bit strange but not in a good way. More in a ridiculous way. To me it seems like extra plots were thrown in there for no reason and just become overwhelming. I also did not enjoy the strange twist at the end which then made you re-question most of the book and not believe anything you read. I'm all for twists but this one was not done well. I think if some of the plots were narrowed down and more streamlined this could have been much more successful.

[Karaiia Book Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy Creighton Is Dead… and readers are NOT okay.

What happens when readers love a fictional character too much?

Andy Creighton is the ultimate book boyfriend — beloved, idealized, and deeply ingrained in American pop culture. So when bestselling author Sloane Rylie kills him off, the reaction is explosive. Grief turns into outrage. Fans protest. Threats are made. Obsession spirals.

Then the impossible happens.

A man claiming to be Andy Creighton appears at Sloane’s secluded cabin, forcing her to confront a terrifying question: rewrite the story to satisfy the readers… or stand her ground and risk everything, including her life.

This psychological thriller is bold, addictive, and incredibly clever. It blurs the line between fiction and reality in a way that feels unsettling yet brilliant. The commentary on fandom, entitlement, and the power of storytelling is sharp and thought-provoking, making this far more than just a fast-paced thriller.

Unforgettable and impossible to put down, especially if you’ve ever had a book boyfriend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

[Kimber Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was handed to me by a colleague and friend in my office. She had signed up online to receive this ARC & ended up loving the book so much- it got handed to 3 people in our office (with permission from author) while she screamed “needs to be published!” for MONTHS.

I picked up this book thinking it was going to be just another run of the mill thriller, started reading it and ended up reading it all in one sitting- only living on coffee and this book for a few great hours not able to put it down. This book is SOOOOOOO thrilling and twisty and wonderfully done.

Trust me, if you love thrillers and a good story- you want to read this. I need the sequel ASAP because there is just NO way I will never find out what is what out of that INSANE ending. Got me questioning my favorite color, my favorite drink and every choice I made today my mind is so 🤯.

I will be looking for a sequel and any other book by Richard. Def signing up for the next ARC myself. 🙏🏻

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Andy Creighton Is Dead” by Richard Panchyk is a twisty 4-star read! Sloane Rylie, a bestselling romance author, makes a controversial decision in her latest novel that not all of her fans agree with. Suddenly, Sloane and the entire Cabinet Publishing team are in damage control mode, scrambling to figure out how to handle the growing backlash.

The story starts with a bang as readers learn about the death of Andy Creighton. The narrative alternates between Sloane and Mandy, the head of publicity for Cabinet Publishing, which adds depth and tension to the unfolding drama. There are some truly shocking twists that kept me hooked.

While this story is fiction, it feels entirely plausible given the strong emotional bonds readers form with certain characters. This is my first book by this author, but it definitely will not be my last.

Thanks to Richard Panchyk for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Ema · Rating 5 out of 5]

For now, it's gotta be my best 2026 read. It was tense, funny, and quite a bit with a sprinkle of absurdity (the author knows how crazy Kindle girlies can be). I loved the reel filming scene—it was overstimulating with how many things happened at once.

The best part has to be the ending. I have question marks above my head!!! The right one is either Sloane, as we know nobody listens to her opinion, and Micah had that darkness in his tone. Or it could be that she really went crazy and killed him, OR Mandy twisted it all her own way to make sales for her book (but... she mentions a certain recording that would flip Sloane's world upside down, so...). That's what I'm talking about.

The only thing I didn't really like was Sloane's surprise (which was overhyped). Her reading time didn't resonate with me (hey, I'm not Andy Creighton's fan, so maybe that's why). It seemed way too simple for a bestselling author.

[Mikaela J’nae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy Creighton Is Dead completely hooked me from start to finish. I have so many good things to say about this one!

What I Loved:

The multiple points of view were such a standout. I absolutely love when a book gives us different perspectives, and this one did it so well. Each POV added layers to the story and kept the tension building in the best way.

Another huge win for me? I could not figure out what was actually happening. I thought I knew who did it. I had my theories. I felt confident. And then the ending proved me wrong. That’s my favorite kind of mystery — the kind that keeps you guessing and still manages to surprise you.

The twists and turns were nonstop. There were so many ups and downs that I genuinely didn’t know who to trust. It was suspenseful, gripping, and completely binge-worthy.

If you love a mystery that keeps you on your toes and delivers a satisfying shock at the end, you need to read Andy Creighton Is Dead.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this blurb definitely piqued my interest and had me quite anxious to read. An author who kills off her MMC!? Yea - you got me wanting to read more.

I really enjoyed how this story played out overall. It shows you how much readers become invested in author's stories and with their characters - to the point of crazy.

This book had me on edge most of the time because some of these people actions are just downright creepy. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book as it kept the suspense very much alive throughout the entirety of the story.

This was a really quick read for me as it drew me in and kept me flipping the pages. My only issue is i felt certain parts could have been buttoned up better (some internal monologue), and that ending definitely had me questioning more when I was done - not sure if that is good or bad at this point.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would absolutely read it again.

[Adrianna Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl! When I tell you I couldn't put this book down.... I COULDNT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!!! I sat down to do a little reading and next thing I know its 11pm and im 300 pages deep and looking for answers!!!

My husband even came into the room asking when I was planning to go to bed as I worked the next day, but sleep is for the weak when you have caffeine and are on a mission to discover what's going on. (I trust you have all been here before)

With the twists and turns unraveling before you I bet you won't be able to put it down either. This is one of those books where you feel yourself transported into and lose track on what time it is.

So if you decide to read this book (which I HIGHLY recommend), grab yourself a beverage and brace yourself, you're in for a bumpy ride that'll leave your jaw on the floor.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying that I was lucky enough to get this book as an ARC.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Lots of twists and as soon as you thought you could trust one character they prove you wrong.

This book is about Sloane, a writer who kills off a character in one of her books and gets crazy backlash from it from fans- you also get the point of view from her publicist who seems to be getting left out of plans from her publisher and she is trying to put out all the fires coming her way she knows nothing about.

There’s missing people, death threats, attempted murder, murder.

Every time I thought I had someone figured out whether they were a good person or bad person or if they were helping or not I was wrong.

Did not expect that ending. Pretty great.

I would read this again.

[Cat Samuels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed this book. The concept is fun, and as a big reader I could really relate to the hysteria described.

If you love a chapter book, this one really capitalises on the format. It’s a page turner because the POV changes from one chapter to the next, between two characters. Lots of opportunities for cliff hangers at the end of chapters which kept me reading.

With regards to the story, everyone has an angle! which is interesting. It gives a “and then there were none” vibe. Unearthing each motivation keeps the surprises coming. It gets darker too, which I loved.

Funny, semi-dark, relatable - really enjoyable book. If I could give it an extra half star on Goodreads I would. Solid 4.5* for me

[Matthew Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure how to categorize this book, but I enjoyed it and would recommend it. Early on, I expected a rehash of Misery, which I wouldn’t have minded, but the story quickly proved to be its own thing. It leans toward thriller, with a fast pace that occasionally trades some suspense for momentum. While chapters 1–15 were entertaining, I didn’t feel fully invested until chapter 16; from that point on, I couldn’t put it down. The latter half reads like an episode of Melrose Place, and I loved that dramatic energy. I found the secondary protagonist, Mandy, more compelling than the primary lead, Sloane, though both were likable. If you enjoy fast-paced, drama-driven thrillers, this is worth picking up. The official release is scheduled for 02/24/2026

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting thriller. I was lucky to be selected as ARC for this book. Below is my honest review of the book.
I am still digesting what happened. And that tells a lot about the story and how it was written.
I definitely want to read about Andy, a character on whom this book was written, but not the actual character of the book.
I ended up not like Salone, the heroine.
What bothered me was that she changed the ending of her book because she was pressured to do so. She was adamant to the end that it was her story and she would do what she wanted with it, but then she changed the ending.
Is Salone redeemable?

[Bex’s reading corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author, and will definitely read more of their books.

While this book gives off Misery Vibes, it was completely enthralling!

A few spots where the multiple POVS had me slightly confused but I gave it time and it mostly came together for me. I’m wondering though if there was some changes made with some left in. Like the multiple references to the cabin and its decor. It felt like they were edited out of a high suspense moment but not everything was removed if that makes sense.

I am hoping there’s a continuation to find out what happens next, making this an actual cliff hanger or if this is just an abrupt ending.

[Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

What happens when fans of a book go crazy? This is essentially what happened with Sloane and fans of her character Andy. She had to off him because she was tired. Most writers have this moment at times with characters but their fans are normal sane. However, Sloane's fans are absolutely insane! What they do to Sloane and the harassment is beyond anything. And proves you can't trust anyone. I didn't know what to think and loved the pacing. There were moments in which I questioned why I was even reading it. Moments that confused me and not in the twist type of way. Still enjoyed how it all came together but not a love situation.

[Sloane Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a LOT of books in my life and I must say I am always skeptical about new thriller authors... THIS book and this author has already proven to me twice why I should not be. If you are wanting a great thriller with twists and an unexpected ending- look no more! I will be recommending this book to everyone for the foreseeable future.

I was SOOOOOO lucky to be given the chance to ARC read this twisty thriller novel and I can not wait to see what he does next!

[Samm Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a first time reader if Richard Panchyk I was pleasantly surprised at this book. From the very beginning it held my attention. The plot was so good and had me on the edge of my seat through the whole book and I had a hard time putting it down. It has me thinking about it non-stop!

If you love thrillers and just an overall good story line then this book is for you. I cant wait to read some of his other work!

[Chandler Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay yall, for ANYONE that loves twisty dramas - THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!!! I love mysteries and thrillers, but can usually call the twists that come. When I tell you I didn't see some of these twists coming for miles 👀👀 it had me hooked!! I could not put it down, was screaming at the author during the last few chapters, and had to sit with it and process what the hell happened after finishing. Such a GREAT book, highly recommend, and I will probably re-read again soon 💜

[Sue Fedash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me within the first few pages and held my attention from start to finish. Packed with twists, suspense, and even moments of humor, it was an engaging and entertaining ride. The pacing kept me fully invested and the story delivered a jaw-dropping ending I never saw coming.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this read and found myself completely absorbed in the characters and plot. It’s safe to say this author has gained a new fan — I’ll definitely read more from him.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started off a little slow and I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it. But when it picked up the pace, I really did get into it. Was it over the top and a bit wild? Yes but in the best of ways, even managing to have a little twist on the last page!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this in advance. I look forward to reading more from the author and adding some of the existing books to my TBR

[Jessica Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this book is a 4.5/5 stars! Richard Panchyk does a wonderful job of showing Sloane and Mandy's experiences rather than just telling us. It's a quick read even for someone struggling to read lately, and it has turns in every direction throughout just about every chapter.

This was really fun and had me glued to my Kindle for an entire evening. I'm glad I offered to do an ARC review for this book and wholeheartedly hope readers enjoy their experience, too, come February 24th!

[Bianca Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved how thrilling it was. At the beginning I thought Sloan actually killed someone and come to find out she's an author and the person that was killed was her main character of her book. There's so many mysteries woven throughout, it kept me hooked the entire time. I highly recommend.